Google is actually paying some of its employees for doing nothing, here is why

If reports are to be believed, Google is paying some of its AI researchers to just do nothing. Sounds fun, right? But there’s a whole big reason behind this and no it’s not a new perk. This is happening as a result of some strict non-compete agreements that have been enforced by Google DeepMind, the company’s advanced AI research arm.

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As per a Business Insider report, several former DeepMind employees are stuck in limbo: they’ve left the company but are legally barred from joining any rival firm for up to a year. During this period, they’re still receiving full pay from Google, even though they can’t work anywhere else.

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Well, these non-compete clauses are added to the contracts of the employees to protect the company’s interests. It is done mainly to prevent sensitive company projects from leaking to competitors like OpenAI or Microsoft. While it might seem important for the company, it is also raising some serious concerns about fairness and employee freedom, especially in a field like AI that evolves at lightning speed.

Nando de Freitas, a former DeepMind executive and now VP at Microsoft AI, recently posted about the issue on X (formerly Twitter). “Above all, don’t sign these contracts,” he warned, calling them an “abuse of power.” He added that many stuck researchers have reached out to him, desperate to find a way around the restrictions.

Dear @GoogDeepMind ers, First, congrats on the new impressive models.

Every week one of you reaches out to me in despair to ask me how to escape your notice periods and noncompetes. Also asking me for a job because your manager has explained this is the way to get promoted, but…

— Nando de Freitas (@NandoDF) March 26, 2025

DeepMind is based out of the UK, and the practice has become most controversial over there. Unlike California, where non-compete agreements are illegal, UK law allows them if they are considered “reasonable.” DeepMind says it only enforces such contracts when absolutely necessary to protect critical work.

Those against this culture argue that keeping talent on the sidelines, despite the fact that they are getting paid, hurts innovation. It also kills the opportunities for the employees and negatively impacts their careers.

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Mustafa Khan

Mustafa is a young tech journalist who tells it like it is, cutting through buzzwords to deliver straightforward smartphone reviews. He’s the office go-to for insider tips and quick demos, and his video content doesn’t waste anyone’s time. When he’s off the clock, he geeks out over cars, photography, and hunting down the best spot for Indian food. View Full Profile